SAMUT PRAKAN: An Indian man with Pakistani nationality was detained by security officials at a flat in Muang district while collecting interest payments from customers of a major loan-sharking gang late on Monday night.
The suspect, Tiwari Shivprashad, 21, was believed to be a member of a transnational gang known as Bang Zurender.
While being questioned by Col Prathueang Kaeothui, deputy chief of the provincial office of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), the suspect received a telephone call from an unnamed Thai state official, who asked to speak to the arresting officer.
The caller made threats against the team, saying he had no reason to fear because his boss could clear up any problems for him. The officer recorded the conversation and stored it as evidence.
Bang Zurender's presence and activities in Thailand are under investigation and authorities are looking for members of the gang and the financer of this illegal non-bank loan service.
Prior to Monday night’s operation, Col Prathueang had received a complaint from Manirat Saengdaeng, 42, who had borrowed 5,000 baht from the gang at 2% interest per day.
She said the gang sent someone to collect 100 baht in interest from her every day as she was unable to pay off any of the principal sum. When her total interest payments exceeded 5,000 baht she decided to lay a complaint at the Samut Prakan Isoc office, believing she was being treated unfairly.
After the arrest of the suspect, she was assured by officials she would not have to pay any more money to the gang. If the gang sent another debt collector to demand further payment she was advised to lodge a complaint with local police.
As for the detained suspect, he faces only legal action for illegal entry.